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Introduction to Linux - A Hands on Guide

This guide was created as an overview of the Linux Operating System, geared toward new users as an exploration tour and getting started guide, with exercises at the end of each chapter.
For more advanced trainees it can be a desktop reference, and a collection of the base knowledge needed to proceed with system and network administration. This book contains many real life examples derived from the author's experience as a Linux system and network administrator, trainer and consultant. They hope these examples will help you to get a better understanding of the Linux system and that you feel encouraged to try out things on your own.

When I first installed the driver, my system flat panel in my laptop was black, I had to specify in xorg.conf to UseDisplayDevice "DFP". I of course, now cannot use my docking station unless I remove that line from xorg.conf. I want BOTH to work, without any editing, each time I switch. What does this take? I've tried looking in nvidia-settings, but maybe I'm missing something. Please help, I'm a Linux newb, but fairly savvy. Here is my current xorg.conf file (As I am constantly changing it, trying to see what works):

I am wondering what you are actually trying to do. Do you want to clone your display, or do you want to use both your monitors as one merged screen (like xinerama but with only one graphics card)? I think the approaches are quite different.

I have tried setting up something similar to your setup. It was on completely different HW, however, so I am not sure if I can help.

One quick way to fix it is to name your laptop-setup xorg.laptop and
your docking station setup xorg.dock.
Then make a script that copies xorg.laptop to xorg.conf and then starts x.
Also make a script to startx for the docking stations.
The two scripts can be combined by starting the script something like:
script dock
To make that work you need to check for the first commandline parameter.
That will look something like this:

I know this is a workaround. Your problem isn't completely clear to me.
You have a dockingstation(that's comparable to adding a monitor to your laptop) and you have a laptop of which the monitor only works when you add the option UseDisplayDevice "DFP".
But where do you add this option and what does it mean?

If you can explain this, people will be more able to help you.
Be as specific as you can and if you post a config file be sure that you only post relevant sections.

Thanks for the quick response. I'm terribly sorry I'm not being perfectly clear and posting my entire config file. Seems most of the other forums I've been crawling through, most people just want the whole thing.

I have a laptop, which display works fine with the open source NVIDIA drivers (nv), and works great with the Restricted drivers so long as I include the line:

Option "UseDisplayDevice" "DFP"

I put this line under the device section of my conig file. So, the section would look something like this:

The only reason why I needed to add this line is for some reason, my card has trouble defaulting to my laptop screen after installing the nvidia-glx drivers(I get a black screen). And it acts as if it's trying to use an external monitor. By adding this line, I point my config file to use my "DFP", which probably stands for device flat panel (But then again, I could be totally wrong). So, this is great. Everything is fine and dandy.

That is, until I get to work and I dock my laptop in its docking station. I get a black screen. This is because this line is now obsolete in this scenario. I don't want to use my laptop screen at all. I want to use what the system picks up as an external monitor.

No problem, I just get to the command line and edit my xorg.conf, remove the line that's forcing to use my laptop screen, and hooray, it works. (No need to force-use the external, as this is what the system seems to want to use anyway) However, after a week or so of switching back and forth, it gets old quick.

The script idea sounds good, and I'm probably going to have to play around with it a while (seeing as I'm a brand-spankin' new linux user) I will googling probably half of the things you said. However, if someone has a better idea or a simpler work-around, it would be GREATLY appreciated.

Your right with the DFP being a digital flat panel.A nvidia driver Readme
This site contains the total readme of your driver, if i'm not mistaken.
In Appendix D all X config options are explained.
'
Reading this says the option UseDisplayDevice, tells the driver what screen it should assign first.
So it starts scanning hardware and discovers your CRT output port and your LCD screen.
If you do not specify the option. The driver first assigns the CRT screen as screen 0 and next the LCD as screen 1.
Screen 0 is the standard screen for running X on.
If you specify UseDisplayDevice "DFD", your LCD will be assigned first so it will become screen 0.
So it will be used to run X on.

This explains why you should use the option and what your problem is.
However I don't know enough about the subject to help you any further.
I don't know if there is anyway to see if a CRT is connected.
If that can be checked you could use this in some way to configure the driver.
Good luck with your problem, thanks to you I now have a hunch why X isn't working on my laptop.

Thank you! I did do a little search for something like this earlier but couldn't find it. What do you know!? on the frickin' NVIDIA site! This documentation is JUST what the doctor ordered. I will read through it tonight or tomorrow morning. Also, I think my particular problem with having to set the DFP option in my config file is related to an outdated BIOS. I will flash my BIOS and see if my system will then pick up the connected devices when I am not docked. Because, for some reason, it detects a "CRT" when I am not docked, which is why I get a black screen without the DFP option. Maybe this is solved in a new Dell BIOS update. (I could be INCREDIBLY wrong... Like I said, I'm a noob)

I have access to a nice system-image deployment server, and I am backing up my laptop overnight. (Want to try a few things out) For some reason, LinuxFileSystems require me to backup the entire drive, empty data and all with this server. 60 gigs, uploaded at 115MB/s over a network. YAWN, will work on this in the morning. Thanks, Tim.